curlyqueue Reviews

Stardust (2007)

"The Princess Bride" for a new generation

[9/10 · 23 December 2007]

I saw this movie this afternoon, and I just loved it. It was wonderful. It very much reminded me of "The Princess Bride." It's funny that so many other people thought that as well. It just goes to show you how great movies stand out in a crowd.

There are not too many other movies that I compare to "The Princess Bride," for several reasons. I saw that movie when I was little, and I can quote it verbatim while watching it. I think I even quote it when I'm not watching it, but I don't realize that I'm doing it. It is, quite literally, one of my most favorite movies ever. All personal prejudices aside, though, "Stardust" does have some striking similarities to "The Princess Bride." The, literally, luminous Claire Danes shines just like Robin Wright did so long ago, each in their own special way. A golden god of a young man playing the romantic lead: in this case it's Charlie Cox, not Carey Elwes. Two parallel worlds so close to one another, yet so different. Both are also based on books, but both convey that magic you feel when you know you've seen something special.

"Stardust" was magnificent and remarkably cast. Robert De Niro was so fun, and Michelle Pfeiffer was pretty evil. It was a great story. Very entertaining and enjoyable.

Danny Roane: First Time Director (2006)

Very Funny Andy Dick Flick

[8/10 · 23 December 2007]

In 1993, Andy Dick was in Arthur Borman's movie spoof called "The Making of '...And God Spoke'" playing the part of Dick Andrews to perfection. He really won my heart in that movie. He was that good. I'd never seen physical comedy that made me laugh so hard before. That movie set my standard for mockumentaries.

"Danny Roane: First Time Director" is like that movie's younger teenage cousin. It has a ton of amazing actors in it: Ben Stiller, James Van Der Beek, Anthony Rapp, Jack Black, Mo Collins, Bob Odenkirk, Maura Tierney, Kate Flannery. Then you've got Michael Hitchcock, also from '...And God Spoke', who is always fantastic. I love watching him. Plus, Kevin Farley! Gotta respect that. Dispersed in between all this star power is this crazy plot, which basically allows Andy Dick to do whatever he wants. It's pretty hilarious but there really isn't much variation from that '...And God Spoke' format. It's kind of the same film. That's not a bad thing; that's why I bought it.

Basically, this movie has a lot of funny people in it, and it's a vehicle for Andy Dick to do some more great physical comedy. If you like Andy Dick, definitely check this out.

Trixie (2000)

Give her a chance, she'll steal your heart and soul

[10/10 · 17 November 2003]

This movie has grown on me immensely. The first time I saw it, it struck me poorly. I didn't like the plot or characters. I've seen it twice since then. I was surprised to find how funny it was a second time. Truth be told, Trixie is the sweetest detective ever written. She's obsessed with the truth and lives by no other code, solving the case almost by accident. There is a sexy all star cast to back her up and they all play magnificently. The real joke of the movie is Trixie's ability to get well known sayings wrong, which is explained by her injury as a child from a bowling ball on the head (mentioned very quickly in a hospital scene). She says things like, "Stop right there where you are in your tracks!" Her timing is perfect and Ms. Watson's performance is endearing. Good show, all around.